Utah State University is launching a new engineering technology degree program that will give students hands-on experience in a variety of skills.
Graduates have employment opportunities in manufacturing, robotics, electronics, machining technology and food production. The program is developed in close collaboration with industry leaders such as Northrop Grumman to ensure the curriculum meets real-world needs.
The Engineering Technology program in the Department of Technology, Design and Technical Education (TDTE) in the College of Agriculture and Applied Science is expected to begin enrolling students in fall 2024.
“Usually the first thing everyone asks is, 'So how is it different from engineering?'” says Andrew Deceuster, associate dean and program leader at TDTE. “Engineering technology is an applied approach to engineering. This degree is for people with a very practical background; they'll be working in production and engineering, solving problems with equipment, processes and design.”
Students take classes covering topics such as electronics, manufacturing processes, computer-aided design and technical communication, as well as a year-long, final-year capstone project in which they design, document and build a project from the ground up.
“This program really takes a hands-on approach,” said Steve Williams, assistant professor of professional practice at TDTE. “Students learn some principles of materials science and engineering, but a lot of it from an applied perspective. Students are able to take something that engineers design, implement it, and make it work.”
This will be USU's first Bachelor of Applied Science program. A BAS is unique in that students take fewer general education classes and instead focus on technical skills. In addition to its bachelor's degree in engineering engineering, the university recently launched its Associate of Applied Science (AAS) program in engineering engineering.
The degree program is stackable, meaning students who have earned a relevant qualification at a technical school can transfer some of the credits from their technical qualification and continue developing their skillset at USU.
“We are pleased to offer this Engineering Technology degree program, which has been developed to support manufacturing and related industries,” said Professor Brian Warnick, Dean of TDTE. “Not only is this program designed to provide career advancement opportunities, but it will also contribute to the development of a highly skilled and appropriately trained workforce and meet industry needs for engineering technicians and technicians.”
USU offers this program both on-campus and through an online-plus approach. Plus means that in addition to online instruction, it also requires hands-on labs and experience. This program allows working professionals and people in the state to benefit from the curriculum without having to relocate.
“If you like to tinker, if you like to build things in your garage, this is the perfect degree,” DeCeuster says. “It gives you technical knowledge, it lets you use your hands, and it can lead to a great career.”
For more information about the new Engineering Technology program, email Jessica Deceuster at [email protected].
